SmartRunner Matcher—One Sensor, Many Applications

In automotive engineering, reliable, accurate, and fast detection of components is essential for smooth manufacturing processes. Car bodies have to be moved safely from one production location to the next on skids, and the position of rivets, vibration dampers, and other important components must be verified.

Laser light section sensors like the SmartRunner Matcher from Pepperl+Fuchs are well-suited for these tasks because they detect height profiles using a very precise laser beam and generate exact results regardless of surface, color, and contrast. In addition, the sensor can be easily integrated into any control system via digital switching signals and gateways for all common fieldbuses.

Perfect Solution for Profile Comparison

The SmartRunner Matcher is pre-programmed to detect height profiles right out of the box, no matter whether the sensor is connected to a static (e.g., conveyor section) or dynamic (e.g., robotic arms) object. After mounting, the shape and contour of a target object can be taught into the sensor using the teach-in mode. Data Matrix codes can also be used to easily teach a sensor with no repositioning or reconfiguration necessary. If an object is located at a greater distance from the sensor or smaller structures are viewed, a megapixel version can also be used.

When the component to be tested reaches the taught-in destination, the sensor outputs a "good" signal to its switching output, and the next step in the process starts. If the object is in the wrong position, the sensor sends a "bad" signal to the control system. Unlike a vision sensor, the SmartRunner Matcher's laser light-section process does not rely on contrast, and objects that are the same color as the background are reliably detected without external lighting. In addition, the deviation of the current X and Z position from the taught-in X and Z position is passed on to the controller and up to 32 profiles can be stored per sensor.

In vehicle frame assembly, components are pieced together by fasteners such as studs, screws and clips. The SmartRunnner Matcher detects whether these parts are present and in the correct location and sends a signal to the control system if a fastener is missing …

Silicone vibration dampers or "stickies" are glued to various parts of a vehicle frame to reduce noise during vehicle operation. To ensure the dampers are in the correct position, the SmartRunner Matcher is taught the height profile of each sticky part and the current height profile is compared with the reference profile ....

In automotive production, car bodies are transported through various stations on skids, which must be positioned and aligned within a specified tolerance range.The SmartRunner Matcher uses light section technology to enable precise, reliable detection of skids in the automotive production ...

Highlights of the SmartRunner Matcher

Optimized solution for profile comparison

Simple integration into any control system via easy-to-process digital signals and gateways for all common fieldbuses

Pepperl+Fuchs is a leading developer and manufacturer of electronic sensors and components for the global automation market. Continuous innovation, enduring quality, and steady growth have been the foundation of our success for more than 70 years. Pepperl+Fuchs employs 6,200 people worldwide and has manufacturing facilities in Germany, USA, Singapore, Hungary, Indonesia and Vietnam, most of them ISO 9001 certified.